EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR PROGRAM

Kiwanis Club of Las Vegas

The Educator of the Year Program, now in its 15^th year, was the brainchild of Kiwanian Ned L. Jacobs, who had been Director of Kaplan Education Corporation in San Diego before becoming Executive Director of the Lied Children’s Discovery Museum in Las Vegas.   The purpose of the program was to recognize outstanding educators at the secondary level in the Clark County School District (CCSD).

Past Presidents Bill Paynter and George J. Vasconi met with Allison Copening, community affairs director for KLAS TV-8, to recruit the station as a cosponsor of the program.  KLAS news anchor Gary Waddell agreed to serve as master of ceremonies for the awards luncheon.  George designed an apple-shaped lapel pin, in red and gold, inscribed with Educator of the Year, the school year, and the name of the recipient and his/her high school.  These pins were made by Jostens.  George also designed a plaque with similar information that was given to each honoree and a blue-and-white banner for the banquet room at the Port Tack Restaurant.  CCSD administrators nominated the honorees, and biographical sketches were provided by Addie McGuire, a community relations officer for CCSD.  All this was printed in a four-page bulletin that was distributed at the luncheon.

The inaugural Educator of the Year Awards was held on April 29, 1992, at the Port Tack Restaurant.  Seventeen educators were recognized.  Kiwanis Club President Bruce Dickinson presided, Gary Waddell served as master of ceremonies, and CCSD Superintendent Brian Cram presented the awards.  That evening, KLAS TV-8 broadcast a clip from the awards luncheon, and a quarter-page promotional ad featuring a photograph of the honorees was printed in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

The Ronkin Educational Group, an initial cosponsor, was succeeded by Kaplan.   KLAS TV-8 remains a cosponsor to this day.  The format has changed somewhat over the years, but the basic premise to recognize outstanding high school educators has endured.  Past Presidents Bruce Dickinson, Bill Paynter, and George J. Vasconi chaired the Educator of the Year Committee for most of the ‘90s.  A highlight of those years was an appearance by Ian Perdriau, president-elect of Kiwanis International, in April 1994.

It is important to note that several of the honorees over the years were Varsity Quiz Coaches and Key Club Advisors who had played important roles in our Youth Benefit and Sponsored Youth Programs.

                                                            George J. Vasconi, Past Lt. Gov.

                                                            Kiwanis Club of Las Vegas